Ian Van Heyde believed in his heart that he was going to have his own restaurant one day. The culinary student and employee at Cameron Mitchell’s Martini Modern Italian restaurant in the Short North had big dreams, and the outgoing personality, innate talent, and dedicated work ethic to make them a reality.⠀
Ian’s dream was tragically cut short in October 1998, when a traffic accident took his life during his senior year of high school. While nothing can prepare a family to face such tremendous grief, Steve and Nan Van Heyde, in collaboration with their friends and family, worked through their loss by creating an extraordinary legacy honoring Ian—one that allows others to pursue their own culinary dreams.⠀
The Ian Van Heyde Memorial Culinary Scholarship Fund was established in December 1998 at The Columbus Foundation—and has helped culinary students pursue their passion ever since! Ian’s life also lives on in the four individuals he was able to help through organ donation.
Through his fund at the Foundation, Steve, Nan, his siblings Peter and Stephanie, and all his family and friends can see his bright light carried forward.⠀
“The biggest thing is you do not want your child to be forgotten. The fund helps keep Ian’s memory alive,” Steve said.
Read more stories like this in the latest issue of NEXUS.
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